PvZ Replanted Trailer Falls Short of Fan Expectations
▼ Summary
– The trailer for Plants vs Zombies Replanted features actors pretending to be streamers in a fake stream, which comes across as strange and cringey.
– Plants vs Zombies Replanted is a 4K remaster of the 2009 game with new content, co-op mode, and bonus features, set to release on consoles and PC.
– The trailer showcases new features like a perma-death mode and returning minigames but presents them through forced reactions and fake chat.
– Viewers and commenters reacted negatively to the trailer, criticizing it as an out-of-touch attempt to appeal to younger audiences.
– Despite the poorly received trailer, the author remains excited to play the game, noting its $20 price tag and improved features.
The newly released “deep dive” trailer for Plants vs. Zombies Replanted has left many longtime fans underwhelmed, despite the game itself promising to be the definitive edition of the classic tower defense title. Rather than focusing purely on gameplay enhancements, the promotional video adopts a peculiar format, featuring actors impersonating trendy streamers in a simulated live broadcast. This unusual approach has been widely criticized for feeling artificial and out of touch with the audience it aims to attract.
Announced earlier this year, Plants vs. Zombies Replanted is a comprehensive 4K remaster of the original 2009 game. It bundles together all previously released content, including the cooperative mode originally introduced on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, alongside fresh additions like a new permadeath mode. Scheduled for release on October 23 for consoles and PC, this version is positioned as the ultimate way to experience the beloved franchise. For many players, the opportunity to revisit the charming strategy game after so many years is a genuinely exciting prospect. However, the latest trailer from EA has dampened some of that enthusiasm.
The trailer, which debuted on October 14, does showcase a substantial amount of gameplay. Viewers get a look at the visual upgrades, the returning assortment of minigames from earlier ports, and details on the new roguelike mode. Unfortunately, these positive elements are overshadowed by the video’s awkward presentation. All the information is conveyed through a scripted scenario of two individuals pretending to be live streamers, complete with a fabricated chat feed and exaggerated reactions. The overall effect is jarring and comes across as a corporate attempt to mimic internet culture without understanding it.
Reception to the trailer has been overwhelmingly negative in the comments section. While anticipation for the game remains high, viewers have expressed confusion over the marketing strategy. One highly upvoted comment perfectly captured the sentiment by labeling it a “‘How do you do, fellow kids’ trailer.” The general consensus is that the target audience, composed largely of younger, internet-savvy gamers, will immediately recognize the inauthenticity. Such a transparent effort to replicate the feel of an organic Twitch stream often backfires, resulting in viewers dismissing it as cringeworthy.
A more straightforward trailer focusing on the improved 4K visuals, the wealth of included content, and the attractive $20 price point would likely have been far more effective. Highlighting these concrete benefits is all that’s really needed to generate excitement for a remaster of a game with such a strong existing fanbase. Despite the promotional misstep, the core appeal of Plants vs. Zombies Replanted remains intact. Many are still eagerly awaiting its arrival later this month, ready to defend their lawns once more, cringey trailer or not.
(Source: Kotaku)
